Your Right to Know

WASHINGTON — The United States stepped up pressure on Iran yesterday over its nuclear program,
imposing sanctions on seven companies and five individuals, including Iran’s atomic-energy
chief.

The Treasury Department said the action would bar those companies and individuals from doing
business with U.S. firms or citizens, and freeze any assets they have in the United States.

Among those sanctioned is Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization and
a survivor of an assassination attempt that Iranian officials have blamed on Israel. At least four
scientists associated with Iran’s nuclear program have been killed since 2010; Abbasi-Davani was
wounded.

Iran has accused Israel and the United States of plotting the killings to set back its nuclear
program. Washington has denied any U.S. role, and Israel has declined to comment.

Foreign banks that handle transactions for the companies and individuals listed by the Treasury
also could lose their access to the U.S. banking system under the sanctions.

The United States has said Tehran’s nuclear program is aimed at acquiring atomic weapons, a
charge Iran has repeatedly denied.